JP4670308B2 - Broadcast receiver - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus, and in particular, a set-top box connected to a variable directivity antenna (single unit does not have a recording function), a tuner built-in type recorder, or a television (recorder built-in type or recording function). The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus such as a type not equipped with.

  There is an ever-increasing need for a broadcast receiving apparatus having a function for recording a broadcast on a predetermined broadcast channel at a predetermined reservation time. However, in this type of conventional broadcast receiving apparatus, when a plurality of broadcast stations are distributed and located, unless the antenna directivity can be freely changed, the broadcast of the reserved broadcast channel is successfully received. I can't.

  Therefore, variable directional antennas such as smart antennas that can receive radio waves of a plurality of broadcasting stations that are present in a dispersed manner by switching the directivity are attracting attention. This type of variable directivity antenna is composed of a plurality of antenna elements, for example, and the directivity can be switched by exciting each antenna element with an appropriate amplitude and phase.

  Patent Document 1 relates to an antenna driving device for receiving satellite broadcasts, and reads the position data of the satellite corresponding to the reserved channel and changes the antenna position to the optimum position before the broadcast recording reservation time. .

Patent Document 2 describes that the direction of the antenna is automatically adjusted according to the viewer's request.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-276011 JP 2001-86019 A

  However, in this type of broadcast receiving apparatus, when the directivity of the variable directional antenna is automatically adjusted before the scheduled recording time, the adjustment may not always conform to the user's intention. In this case, the broadcast by the reserved channel is recorded with the directivity different from the user's intention.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to automatically optimize the directivity of the variable directivity antenna while considering the user's intention before the scheduled recording time. It is to provide a broadcast receiving apparatus that can be configured.

The present invention is a broadcast receiving apparatus (1) connected to a variable directivity antenna (30) capable of changing directivity,
A switching signal output unit (receiving direction switching unit 24) for outputting a directivity switching signal for commanding switching of directivity with respect to the variable directivity antenna;
Correspondence storage means (auto-scan storage area configured in the memory 10b) for storing the correspondence between the broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna when receiving broadcast of the broadcast channel;
Predetermined time discriminating means (S1) for discriminating whether or not a predetermined time before the recording start time corresponding to the reserved channel for which recording of the broadcast channel is reserved;
When the predetermined time discriminating means discriminates that the predetermined time is before, the directivity switching signals are output from the switching signal output unit to sequentially change the directivities of the variable directivity antennas so that the reserved channel The directivity suitable for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel is identified (S401, S501), and the directivity suitable for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel is further selected separately from the optimum directivity (S206). )When,
Message display signal output means (S4) for outputting a message display signal for displaying a predetermined message on the screen when the directivity specifying means starts specifying and selecting the directivity;
Result display signal output means (S402, S409, S507) for outputting a display signal for displaying the specifying result of the directivity specifying means on the screen and a display signal for displaying the selection result of the directivity specifying means on the screen. When,
Directivity determining means for determining the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel (S404 and S407 in the first mode process, S509 and S512 in the second mode process),
Directivity switching means for outputting a directivity switching signal for switching the directivity of the variable directivity antenna to the directivity according to the determination of the directivity determination means from the switching signal output unit before the recording start time by the reserved channel. (S6)
The directivity determining means includes
When a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input (S403 for the directivity specified in S401). And YES), the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the directivity specified by the directivity specifying means (S404),
When a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel is input according to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means in addition to the directivity optimal for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel It is determined that the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is set to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means (S404) in response to the directivity specified in S409 (YES in S403). And
When a refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel is input according to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means in addition to the directivity optimal for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel (YES in S406), it is determined that the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is set to the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence relationship storage unit (S407). ) First directivity determining means (S404 and S407 of the first mode process),
Of the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the latter is better for broadcasting by the reserved channel. When reception is possible (NO in S506), the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage unit (S512). ) And
Of the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the former is better for broadcasting by the reserved channel. The variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel can be received (YES in S506) and an acceptance signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel by the former is input (YES in S508). Determining the antenna directivity to be the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means;
Of the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the former is better for broadcasting by the reserved channel. The variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel can be received (YES in S506) and when a rejection signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel is input by the former (YES in S511). The antenna directivity is determined to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means (S512) and second directivity determination means (second mode processing S509 and S512); Including
Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device includes:
A first mode (S210) in which directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined by the first directivity determining means, and the variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel by the second directivity determining means. Operation mode switching means (S408, S510) for switching the operation mode of the broadcast receiving apparatus to the second mode (S211) for determining the directivity of the directional antenna,
The operation mode switching means includes
In the first mode, when the first directivity determining means receives the rejection signal, the directivity of the variable directivity antenna is set to the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means. When it is determined to do so, the first mode is switched to the second mode (S408),
In the second mode, when the second directivity determining means determines that the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means. Switching from the second mode to the first mode (S510);
The directivity switching means outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means in the first mode from the switching signal output unit, and in the second mode, the directivity switching signal The switching signal output unit outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the second directivity determining means.

The present invention also provides a broadcast receiving apparatus (1) connected to a variable directivity antenna (30) capable of changing directivity,
A switching signal output unit (receiving direction switching unit 24) for outputting a directivity switching signal for commanding switching of directivity with respect to the variable directivity antenna;
By outputting the directivity switching signal from the switching signal output unit, the directivity of the variable directional antenna is sequentially changed, so that it is optimal for receiving a broadcast by a reserved channel reserved for recording among broadcast channels. Directivity specifying means (S8) for specifying directivity;
Specific result display signal output means (S402, S507) for outputting a specific result display signal for displaying the specific result of the directivity specifying means on the screen;
When a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input (S403 for the directivity specified in S401). YES), first directivity determining means (S404) for determining that the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means;
Directivity for outputting a directivity switching signal for switching the directivity of the variable directivity antenna to the directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means from the switching signal output unit before the recording start time by the reserved channel. Switching means (S6).

Furthermore, the present invention further includes a recording device connection unit (recording / reproducing device connection terminal not shown) for connecting a recording device (recording / reproducing device 700) for recording the broadcast of the reserved channel,
The information of the reserved channel and the recording start time is input from the recording device through the recording device connection unit.

Alternatively, the present invention further includes a display device connection unit (reproduction signal output terminal not shown) for connecting a display device (monitor 40) having the screen.
The message display signal output means outputs the message display signal to the display device via the display device connection unit.

Furthermore, the present invention further comprises a predetermined time discriminating means (S1) for discriminating whether or not a predetermined time before the recording start time corresponding to the reserved channel.
The directivity specifying means starts a specifying operation for specifying the optimal directivity for receiving the broadcast corresponding to the reserved channel when the predetermined time determining means determines that the predetermined time is before (in S1) S5 is executed when YES),
It further comprises message display signal output means (S4) for outputting a message display signal for displaying a predetermined message on the screen when the directivity specifying means starts the specific operation.

Further, the present invention relates to correspondence storage means (auto scan storage area configured in the memory 10b) for storing the correspondence between the broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna when receiving the broadcast of the broadcast channel. Further comprising
The first directivity determining means, when a rejection signal indicating that the user refuses to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input, The directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined according to the storage of the correspondence relationship storage means (S407).

In addition, the present invention further includes correspondence storage means (auto-scan storage area configured in the memory 10b) for storing the correspondence between the broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna,
The directivity specifying means further selects directivity suitable for receiving the reserved channel broadcast separately from directivity optimal for receiving the reserved channel broadcast (S206),
The specification result display signal output means receives a rejection signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specification means (S405). And the directivity specifying means outputs a sorting result display signal for displaying on the screen a sorting result indicating the directivity sorted separately from the directivity optimum for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel ( S409),
The first directivity determining means receives an acceptance signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel according to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means in addition to the optimum directivity. (S404 after S409), the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means (S404)
When a refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel based on the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means is input separately from the optimal directivity (YES in S405 after S409) ), The directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means (S407). To do.

In the present invention, any one of the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means may be broadcast by the reserved channel. Receiving state determining means (S506) for determining whether or not the signal can be received better;
When it is determined by the reception state determination means that the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means can better receive the broadcast by the reserved channel (NO in S506), Determining the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means (S512);
It is determined that the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means by the reception state determining means can better receive the broadcast by the reserved channel (YES in S506), and the reserved channel is determined by the directivity. The directivity specifying means specifies the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel when a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast is input (YES in S508). Decide to make the optimal directivity (S509),
It is determined that the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means by the reception state determining means can better receive the broadcast by the reserved channel (YES in S506), and the reserved channel is determined by the directivity. When the refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast is input (YES in S511), the correspondence storage means stores the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel. A second directivity determining means (S509 and S512) for determining the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel (S512);
A first mode (S210) in which directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined by the first directivity determining means, and the variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel by the second directivity determining means. Operation mode switching means (S408, S510) for switching the operation mode of the broadcast receiving apparatus to the second mode (S211) for determining the directivity of the directional antenna,
The operation mode switching means includes
In the first mode, when the first directivity determining means receives the rejection signal, the directivity of the variable directivity antenna is set to the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means. When it is determined to do so, the first mode is switched to the second mode (S408),
In the second mode, when the second directivity determining means determines that the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means. Switching from the second mode to the first mode (S510);
The directivity switching means outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means in the first mode from the switching signal output unit, and in the second mode, the directivity switching signal The switching signal output unit outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the second directivity determining means.

  According to the present invention, the optimal directivity for the reserved channel is automatically specified before the scheduled recording time, and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel is obtained with the user's consent to adopt the specified directivity. Therefore, it is possible to automatically optimize the directivity of the variable directivity antenna while considering the user's intention before the scheduled recording time.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same or equivalent part in a figure, the same code is attached and the description is not repeated.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, broadcast receiving apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a tuner built-in type recorder including a tuner 16 and a recording unit 70. The broadcast receiving apparatus 1 includes an antenna connection terminal to which the variable directivity antenna 30 is connected, a broadcast output terminal for outputting a received broadcast video signal and audio signal to the monitor 40, and a video signal and audio signal when recording and reproducing. Are output to the monitor 40 (representation of each terminal is omitted).

  The broadcast receiving apparatus 1 receives a broadcast signal from the variable directivity antenna 30, outputs a video signal and an audio signal to the monitor 40, and records the received broadcast on the recording medium 71. Further, the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 includes a remote control receiving unit 26 for receiving a radio signal transmitted from the remote control 42.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the variable directivity antenna 30 has a plurality of, for example, four antenna elements 30a to 30d in a horizontal plane at a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees). The variable directivity antenna 30 receives the reception direction switching signal from the broadcast receiver 1 and changes the excitation for each antenna element to switch the directivity. The variable directivity antenna 30 can change the directivity in, for example, eight directions by receiving the reception direction switching signal. Hereinafter, the directivities of the variable directivity antenna 30 that can be varied in eight directions will be referred to as “reception direction 1” to “reception direction 8”.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a tuner 16, a digital demodulator 18, an analog demodulator 20, an OSD (On Screen Display) circuit 21, an MPEG decoder 22, a video synthesis unit 23, and a reception direction. A switching unit 24, a remote control receiving unit 26, and a recording unit 70 are provided.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a that executes a program,
It comprises a program to be executed, data during program execution, and memory (RAM and ROM) 10b for storing data of the program execution result.

  The tuner 16 extracts a broadcast signal corresponding to a channel selected according to a command from the control unit 10 from the received broadcast signal. If the extracted broadcast signal is a digital television broadcast signal, the tuner 16 outputs the broadcast signal to the digital demodulator 18. On the other hand, when the extracted broadcast signal is an analog television broadcast signal, the tuner 16 outputs the broadcast signal to the analog demodulator 20.

  The digital demodulator 18 receives a broadcast signal from the tuner 16, demodulates it into a moving picture experts group (MPEG) signal that is a video and audio signal, and outputs the MPEG signal to the MPEG decoder 22.

  Here, the digital television broadcast signal is encoded with a Reed-Solomon code and a convolutional code and transmitted. Therefore, the digital demodulator 18 can perform error correction in the above decoding process. In this error correction process, the digital demodulator 18 calculates the reception data error rate of the received broadcast signal and outputs the reception data error rate to the control unit 10. At this time, since the digital demodulator 18 performs error correction for each predetermined number of data included in the received broadcast signal, the received data error rate can be calculated within one frame (1/30 second) from the start of reception.

In addition to the Japanese ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting for Terrestrial) system, digital television broadcasting includes the US ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) system and the European DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting for Terrestrial) system. is there. In either system, since the broadcast signal is encoded and transmitted, error correction is possible, and the received data error rate can be calculated in the process. Therefore, the digital demodulator 18 in the first embodiment of the present invention may use any of the above-described systems.

  The analog demodulator 20 receives a broadcast signal from the tuner 16 and demodulates it into a video signal and an audio signal. Then, the analog demodulator 20 outputs the demodulated audio signal to the outside. The analog demodulator 20 outputs the demodulated video signal to the video synthesis unit 23. Further, the analog demodulator 20 outputs to the control unit 10 whether or not the horizontal synchronization signal can be captured.

  Here, the analog television broadcast signal includes a horizontal synchronizing signal and a vertical synchronizing signal in order to control horizontal scanning and vertical scanning of the scanning lines. The analog demodulator 20 needs to capture the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal described above in order to demodulate the video signal.

  The horizontal synchronization signal has a sufficiently high frequency with respect to the vertical synchronization signal. Therefore, the horizontal synchronization signal is more susceptible to noise and the like than the vertical synchronization signal. That is, the reception state can be determined based on whether or not the horizontal synchronization signal has been captured.

  In capturing the horizontal synchronization signal, the analog demodulator 20 performs noise removal processing, frequency separation processing, synchronization signal separation processing, shaping amplification processing, and the like on the received broadcast signal. Therefore, it takes a lot of time from the start of reception to the acquisition of the horizontal synchronization signal as compared with the calculation of the reception data error rate in the digital demodulator 18 described above.

Analog TV broadcasting is provided by NTSC (National System Committee) in Japan and the United States.
) In addition to systems, there are PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) systems such as Germany and the United Kingdom, and SECAM (Sequentiel Couleur a Memoire) systems such as France. Therefore, the reception state can be determined based on whether or not the horizontal synchronization signal can be captured.

  Therefore, the analog demodulator 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention may use any of the above-described systems.

  The OSD circuit 21 generates an OSD signal for displaying information on the screen of the monitor 40 in accordance with a command from the control unit 10 and outputs the OSD signal to the video composition unit 23. In this embodiment, the OSD circuit 21 is realized by a hardware circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function of the OSD circuit 21 may be realized by executing software by the control unit 10.

  The MPEG decoder 22 decodes the signal received from the digital demodulator 18 into a video signal and an audio signal. Then, the MPEG decoder 22 outputs the decoded audio signal to the outside. The MPEG decoder 22 outputs the decoded video signal to the video synthesis unit 23.

  The video synthesis unit 23 superimposes the video indicated by the OSD signal received from the OSD circuit 21 on the video indicated by the video signal received from the analog demodulator or the MPEG decoder. Then, the video composition unit 23 outputs a video signal indicating the superimposed video to the outside.

  The reception direction switching unit 24 outputs a reception direction switching signal to the variable directivity antenna 30 in response to a command from the control unit 10.

  The remote control receiving unit 26 receives a command from the remote control 42 and outputs it to the control unit 10. The user transmits a command using the remote controller 42 to perform a desired operation.

  Next, the reservation recording process which is a feature of the invention according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the reserved recording process. 3 to 7 are subroutines executed in the scheduled recording process.

  The outline of the recording reservation process is as follows. That is, before the scheduled recording time, it is determined whether or not “automatic setting” is set to “ON” in advance by the user's selection operation. The receiving direction of the optimum antenna is automatically specified on the device side. When the user is satisfied with the identification result and outputs a consent signal from the remote controller 42 or the like, the directivity of the variable directivity antenna 30 is switched to the reception direction specified on the apparatus side.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically optimize the directivity of the variable directivity antenna while considering the user's intention before the scheduled recording time. This automatic setting function is a convenient function for optimizing the receiving direction of the antenna in a situation where the recording time is approaching.

  In the following, the reservation recording process for digital broadcasting will be described, but the recording reservation process can be similarly applied to the case of analog broadcasting. In this case, the reception state of the analog broadcast corresponding to each reception direction can be determined based on whether or not the horizontal synchronization signal can be captured.

  Referring to FIG. 2, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) before the scheduled recording time (S1). If it is not a predetermined time before the scheduled recording time, the process ends. When it is determined that it is a predetermined time before the scheduled recording time, the automatic setting data is referred to (S2), and it is determined whether or not the manual setting is ON (S3). The automatic setting data is data that is set to ON or OFF in accordance with a user operation set from the menu screen. The automatic setting data is stored in the memory 10b of the broadcast receiving apparatus 1.

  When the automatic setting data is set to OFF, the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, when it is determined that the automatic setting data is set to ON, a display signal for displaying a message for automatic setting on the monitor 40 is output (S4).

  Next, an automatic setting process is executed (S5), and the user can select whether or not to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel in the receiving direction specified by the apparatus. Details of the manual setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a reception direction switching signal corresponding to the reception direction determined by the automatic setting process is output to the variable directivity antenna 30 (S6). Thereafter, on the condition that it is determined that the scheduled recording time has come (S7), the process of recording the broadcast of the reserved channel is started (S8).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the automatic setting process. This automatic setting process is a subroutine executed in S5 during the reserved recording process of FIG.

  First, the broadcast channel is switched to the reserved channel (S201). Next, a display signal for displaying the automatic search mode on the monitor 40 is output (S202). This display is continuously displayed in the OSD display area of the monitor 40 until all the automatic setting processes are completed.

  Next, 1 is substituted into the counter n for determining the receiving direction (S203). Next, a reception direction switching signal for switching the reception direction of the variable directivity antenna 30 to the reception direction n is output (S204).

  Next, data is received from the variable directivity antenna 30 after the reception direction is switched, and it is determined whether or not the data error rate in the reception direction n regarding the reserved channel is equal to or less than a specified value (S205). When the data error rate in the receiving direction n is not less than the specified value, the process proceeds to S207. On the other hand, when it is determined that the data error rate in the receiving direction n is less than or equal to the specified value, the receiving direction n, the data error rate, and a part of the video received at that time are stored in the automatic search candidate storage area. (S206). The automatic search candidate storage area is allocated to a part of the memory 10b.

  Next, the counter n is updated (+1) (S207). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated counter n exceeds the maximum value max (S208). In the present embodiment, since the variable reception direction is, for example, 1 to 8, the maximum value max is “8”.

  When it is determined in S208 that the value of the counter n does not exceed max, a reception direction switching signal for switching the reception direction of the variable directivity antenna 30 to the updated reception direction n is output (S204). Thereafter, the processing of S205 to S208 is repeated. As a result, for each reception direction in which the data error rate is determined to be equal to or less than the specified value, the data error rate and a part of the received video when the broadcast is received through the reserved channel are stored in the automatic search storage area.

  Eventually, when it is determined in S208 that the value of the counter n exceeds max, it is determined whether the current automatic search mode is the first mode or the second mode (S209). Then, depending on the result, the first mode process (S210) or the second mode process (S211) is executed. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Here, the data in the automatic search mode is data set to the first mode or the second mode in accordance with a user operation set from the menu screen. The data in the automatic search mode is stored in the memory 10b of the broadcast receiving device 1.

  By setting the “automatic search mode” to the “first mode”, the optimum reception direction corresponding to the reserved channel is automatically searched, and the acceptance signal input to the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 is received by the user's operation. As a condition, the receiving direction is selected. On the other hand, by setting the “second mode”, the optimum reception direction is automatically searched, and the quality (error error rate) is automatically determined with respect to the reception direction in an auto scan storage area described later. Then, when the reception direction of the automatically searched reception direction is better, the reception direction is selected on the condition that the acceptance signal is received. On the other hand, when the reception state in the reception direction in the auto scan storage area is better, the reception direction is automatically selected from the auto scan storage area.

  The first mode process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, and the second mode process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the first mode process. This first mode process is a subroutine executed in S210 of FIG. First, the automatic search candidate storage area is referred to, and the reception direction with the lowest data error rate is specified among the stored reception directions (S401). Next, a display signal for displaying the reception direction specified in S401 on the monitor 40 is output (S402).

  As a result, a part of the video described in the automatic search candidate storage area is displayed on the monitor 40 corresponding to the specified reception direction, and the reception direction number is displayed. By viewing the video, the user determines whether or not he / she agrees to record the broadcast on the reserved channel in the receiving direction.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a consent signal has been input (S403). The consent signal is a signal indicating the consent of the user with respect to the reception direction displayed on the monitor 40, and is input to the apparatus according to the operation of the remote controller 42, for example.

  If it is determined in S403 that the acceptance signal has not been input, it is determined whether or not a rejection signal has been input (S405). The refusal signal is a signal indicating the refusal of the user with respect to the reception direction displayed on the monitor 40, and is input to the apparatus according to the operation of the remote controller 42, for example.

  When it is determined that neither the acceptance signal nor the rejection signal is input, the process returns to S403 again. Then, the processes of S403 and S405 are repeated until an acceptance signal or a rejection signal is input.

  If it is determined in S405 that a rejection signal has been input, it is determined whether a rejection signal has been input for all reception direction candidates in the automatic search candidate storage area (S406). If there is a reception direction that has not been confirmed by the user in the automatic search candidate storage area, NO is determined in S406, and the video storing the next reception direction in the automatic search candidate storage area At the same time, a display signal for display on the monitor 40 is output (S409).

  Then, it is again determined whether or not a consent signal is input (S403). If it is determined that a consent signal is input corresponding to one of the reception directions in the automatic search candidate storage area (YES in S403), the reserved channel is broadcast in the reception direction when the consent signal is input. Is recorded (S404).

  In this case, a display signal for displaying on the monitor 40 that the reception direction has been determined is output (S410), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when a rejection signal is input to all reception direction candidates in the automatic search candidate storage area (YES in S406), the auto scan storage area is referred to, and auto scan corresponding to the reserved channel is performed. It is determined to record the broadcast of the reserved channel in the reception direction stored in the storage area (S407).

  Here, the auto scan storage area is an area for storing the broadcast channel determined to be receivable by the “auto scan function (channel automatic detection function)” and the reception direction of the antenna that is appropriate for receiving the broadcast channel. It is. The “auto scan function” is a function for detecting each broadcast channel that can be automatically received and setting the reception direction of the variable directivity antenna 30 suitable for each broadcast channel. In S407, the reception direction assigned to the broadcast channel corresponding to the reserved channel when the “auto scan function” was previously activated in this apparatus is determined as the reception direction at the time of the current recording. The auto scan storage area is provided in the memory 10b.

  After S407, the first mode is switched to the second mode (S408). Therefore, the next time the process proceeds to S209 in FIG. 3, the second mode process is executed.

  Thereafter, a display signal for displaying on the monitor 40 that the reception direction has been determined is output (S410), and the process ends.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the second mode processing. This second mode process is a subroutine executed in S211 of FIG. In the second mode process, first, the reception direction A with the lowest data error rate in the automatic search candidate storage area is specified (S501).

  Next, the reception direction M stored corresponding to the reserved channel is specified by referring to the auto scan storage area (S502). Subsequently, a reception direction switching signal corresponding to the reception direction M is output to the variable directivity antenna 30 (S503). As a result, the reception direction of the variable directivity antenna 30 is changed to M.

  Next, the data error rate of the reserved channel according to the receiving direction M is calculated (S504). Thereafter, the data error rate in the reception direction A specified in S501 is compared with the data error rate in the reception direction M calculated in S504 (S505). The data error rate in the reception direction A is stored in the automatic search candidate storage area corresponding to the reception direction A by the process of S206 in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the data error rate in the receiving direction A is lower than the data error rate in the receiving direction M (S506). If NO in S506, that is, if it is determined that the data error rate is lower in the receiving direction M than in the receiving direction A, the receiving direction is determined to be M (S512).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the data error rate is lower in the reception direction A (YES in S506), a display signal for displaying the reception direction A on the monitor 30 is output (S507).

  Thus, a part of the video described in the automatic search candidate storage area corresponding to the reception direction A is displayed on the monitor 40 and the reception direction A is displayed. By viewing the video, the user determines whether or not he / she agrees to record the broadcast on the reserved channel in the receiving direction A.

  Next, the process is in a standby state until an acceptance signal or a rejection signal is input (S508, S511). If it is determined that a rejection signal has been input (YES in S511), it is determined that the reception direction is M, that is, the broadcast of the reserved channel is recorded in the reception direction corresponding to the reserved channel in the autoscan storage area. (S512).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the acceptance signal is input (YES in S508), it is determined to record the broadcast of the reserved channel in the receiving direction A in the automatic search candidate storage area (S509). Thereafter, the second mode is switched to the first mode (S510). Therefore, the next time the process proceeds to S209 in FIG. 3, the first mode process is executed.

  Finally, a display signal for displaying on the monitor 40 that the reception direction has been determined is output (S513), and the process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining user setting processing and setting data. In this machine, the user can set “manual setting data”, “setting auxiliary mode”, “automatic search mode”, and other setting items by calling the main menu on the monitor screen. FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of the user setting process. On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a typical example of user setting items and the contents of the setting data.

  FIG. 6A is an example of a screen displayed in S4 of FIG. When the predetermined time before the scheduled recording time comes, the screen 400 of the monitor 40 is switched as shown in FIG. 6A, and a message “Execute automatic setting” is displayed in the OSD area 401 at the lower right of the screen. Is done. This notifies the user that manual setting control will be disclosed. In addition, a message “t minutes before recording” is also displayed, so that the user is notified of the time until recording starts.

  FIG. 6B is an example of a screen displayed in S402, S409, and S507 in FIG. For example, in FIG. 6B, reception direction candidates 402 automatically specified by the apparatus are displayed. The reception direction candidate 402 is a video when a reserved channel broadcast is received in the specified reception direction, and the video is stored in the automatic search candidate storage area (see S206). The reception direction is shown at the lower right of the video area of the reception direction candidate 402. Therefore, the reception direction of the reception direction candidate 402 is [1].

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the OSD area 401, in addition to the remaining time t until the recording time, a message prompting the user to decide whether or not to select this reception direction is displayed. The For example, if the user selects the displayed reception direction candidate by operating the remote controller 42, a consent signal is input to the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 accordingly, and the reception direction is determined.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The broadcast receiving apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is obtained by omitting the recording function from the broadcast receiving apparatus 1 described as the first embodiment.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus 100 is provided with a recording / reproducing apparatus connection terminal (not shown) for connecting a recording / reproducing apparatus 700 for recording and reproducing the broadcast, and is connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus 700 by the terminal. Is done. Video signals and audio signals are output from the broadcast receiving apparatus 100 to the recording / reproducing apparatus 700.

  On the other hand, from the recording / playback apparatus 700, signals related to user operations of the recording / playback apparatus 700 such as a recording reservation time and a recording reservation channel are input to the broadcast receiving apparatus 100. The broadcast receiving apparatus 100 receives the information of the scheduled recording time and the reserved channel from the recording / playback apparatus 700, executes the scheduled recording processing S1 to S7 shown in FIG. 2 described as the first embodiment, and displays the information on the monitor 40. 6 is displayed. Therefore, when the recording / playback apparatus 700 starts recording a broadcast corresponding to the reserved channel, the receiving direction of the variable directivity antenna 30 is optimized.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is a modification of the first mode processing (see FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment, and is otherwise the same as the broadcast receiving device 1 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the first mode process 2 according to the third embodiment. The first mode process 2 is different from the first mode process according to the first embodiment in that steps S411 to S413 are added between S407 and S408 of the first mode process, and further, S404 and S410. The only difference is that the step of S414 is added.

  In the first embodiment, when any receiving direction candidate presented to the user on the apparatus side is not adopted by the user and the receiving direction is determined from the auto scan storage area, the first mode is switched to the second mode. . However, in the third embodiment, when such a determination occurs three times in succession, the first mode is switched to the second mode.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, after the auto scan storage area is referred to in S407 and the reception direction is determined, the mode switching counter is incremented by 1 (S411), and then the value of the mode switching counter is set to 3. It is determined whether or not (S412). If the value of the mode switching counter has not yet reached 3, the process proceeds to S410 already described without switching the mode.

  Even if the value of the mode switching counter is once updated from 0 to 1 or 2, when the reception direction is determined in S404 as a result of the acceptance signal being input in S403, the mode switching counter The value is reset to 0 (S414).

  On the other hand, when the value of the mode switching counter reaches 3 by making the determination of S407 three times continuously (YES in S412), the value of the mode switching counter is reset to 0 (S413). The first mode is switched to the second mode (S408).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when there are consecutive cases in which a receiving direction in which the user's consent is not obtained too frequently is selected as a selection candidate on the device side, the second mode is changed to the second mode. Switch to mode. In addition, although it demonstrated here that the determination of S407 is performed 3 times continuously, it switches from the 1st mode to the 2nd mode, it was not 3 times but 2 times or 3 times or more. It may be multiple times.

  Next, reference will be made to further modifications of the embodiments described above.

  (1) You may employ | adopt 3rd Embodiment as a process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  (2) The first mode process (see FIG. 4) can be further modified as follows. That is, steps S406 and S409 are deleted. If it is determined in S405 that a rejection signal has been input, the process proceeds to S407.

  As a result, in S402, when the "recommended" reception direction specified on the apparatus side is rejected by the user, the reception direction is determined by immediately referring to the auto scan storage area.

  When such a modification is made, it can be considered that the condition relating to the switching to the second mode is also set to one of the following two. One is a method of switching to the second mode at that stage when the reception direction is determined in S407, as in FIG. The other is a method of switching to the second mode when the reception direction is determined by referring to the auto-scan storage area a plurality of times, as in the third embodiment. In order to adopt the latter method, steps S411 to S414 may be added as in the third embodiment.

  (3) In the above embodiments, the configuration in which the broadcast receiving device and the monitor 40 are separated has been described. However, instead of this, the broadcast receivers 1 and 100 may be provided with the monitor 40. That is, it is conceivable that the broadcast receiving apparatus is constituted by a digital tuner built-in type television. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 1 corresponds to a television having a recording function.

  (4) In the above embodiment, as the variable directivity antenna, the one that electrically adjusts the directivity is shown. For example, the directivity is mechanically adjusted such that the azimuth angle of the antenna is changed by a motor. Can be used. Further, the antenna is not limited to the variable directivity antenna 30, and various antennas can be used as long as the directivity can be varied.

  (5) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a schematic block diagram of a broadcast receiver. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a reservation video recording process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an automatic setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a 1st mode process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a 2nd mode process. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a schematic block diagram of a broadcast receiving apparatus (2nd Embodiment). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the 1st mode process 2 (3rd Embodiment).

Explanation of symbols

  1 and 100 Broadcast receiving apparatus, 10 control unit, 10a CPU, 10b memory, 16 tuner, 18 digital demodulator, 20 analog demodulator, 21 OSD circuit, 22 MPEG decoder, 23 video composition unit, 24 reception direction switching unit, 26 Remote control receiving unit 26, 30 Variable directional antenna, 40 monitor, 42 remote control, 70 recording unit.

Claims (8)

A broadcast receiving apparatus connected to a variable directivity antenna capable of changing directivity,
A switching signal output unit that outputs a directivity switching signal that commands switching of directivity with respect to the variable directivity antenna;
Correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna when receiving broadcast of the broadcast channel;
A predetermined time discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it is a predetermined time before the recording start time corresponding to the reserved channel for which recording of the broadcast channel is reserved;
When the predetermined time determining means determines that the predetermined time is before, the directivity switching signal is output from the switching signal output unit to sequentially change the directivity of the variable directivity antenna, and after the change The data error rate is calculated corresponding to each directivity when the broadcast by the reserved channel is received with each directivity, and the directivity having the minimum corresponding data error rate is used for receiving the broadcast by the reserved channel. Apart from the optimal directivity with specifying an optimum directivity, and directivity specifying means the data error rate of the corresponding further screened der Ru directional specified value or less,
A message display signal outputting means for outputting a message display signal for displaying a predetermined message on the screen when the finger tropic specifying means starts a specific and sorting of the directional,
A display signal for displaying on the screen video data obtained by receiving a broadcast by a reserved channel with the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity specifying means are selected separately from the optimal directivity A result display signal output means for outputting a display signal for displaying the video data obtained by receiving the broadcast by the reserved channel with the directivity ;
Directivity determining means for determining directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel;
Directivity switching means for outputting a directivity switching signal for switching the directivity of the variable directivity antenna to the directivity according to the determination of the directivity determination means from the switching signal output unit before the recording start time by the reserved channel. And
The directivity determining means includes
The variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel when a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input. Determining the directivity of the antenna to be the directivity specified by the directivity specifying means;
When a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel is input according to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means in addition to the directivity optimal for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel And determining the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel to be the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means,
When a refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel is input according to the directivity selected by the directivity specifying means in addition to the directivity optimal for receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel First directivity determining means for determining that the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence relation storing means;
Of the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the latter having a lower corresponding data error rate is the reservation. When the broadcast on the channel can be received better, the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence relationship storage means And
Of the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the former having a lower corresponding data error rate is the reservation. The direction of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel when a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receiving the broadcast of the reserved channel by the former can be received better. To determine the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means,
Of the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means and the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means, the former having a lower corresponding data error rate is the reservation. Direction of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel when a refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the reserved channel broadcast by the former can be received better. A second directivity determining means for determining that the directivity is a directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means,
Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device includes:
A first mode in which directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined by the first directivity determining means; and a variable mode antenna of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel by the second directivity determining means. An operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the broadcast receiving apparatus to a second mode for determining directivity;
The operation mode switching means includes
In the first mode, when the first directivity determining means receives the rejection signal, the directivity of the variable directivity antenna is set to the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means. When it is decided to switch from the first mode to the second mode,
In the second mode, when the second directivity determining means determines that the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means. Switching from the second mode to the first mode,
The directivity switching means outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means in the first mode from the switching signal output unit, and in the second mode, the directivity switching signal A broadcast receiving apparatus characterized by causing the switching signal output section to output a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the second directivity determining means. A broadcast receiving apparatus connected to a variable directivity antenna capable of changing directivity,
A switching signal output unit that outputs a directivity switching signal that commands switching of directivity with respect to the variable directivity antenna;
A predetermined time discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it is a predetermined time before the recording start time corresponding to the reserved channel for which recording of the broadcast channel is reserved;
When the predetermined time determining means determines that the predetermined time is before, the directivity switching signal is output from the switching signal output unit to sequentially change the directivity of the variable directivity antenna, and after the change The data error rate is calculated corresponding to each directivity when receiving a broadcast on the reserved channel with each directivity of the, and the directivity with the minimum corresponding data error rate is optimal for receiving the broadcast on the reserved channel Directivity specifying means for specifying as a directivity,
When the directivity specifying means specifies the optimal directivity, a specific result for outputting a specific result display signal for displaying on the screen video data obtained by receiving a broadcast by the reserved channel with the optimal directivity. Display signal output means;
The variable directivity corresponding to the reserved channel when a consent signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input. First directivity determining means for determining that the antenna directivity is the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means;
Directivity for outputting a directivity switching signal for switching the directivity of the variable directivity antenna to the directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means from the switching signal output unit before the recording start time by the reserved channel. A broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: switching means. A recording device connecting unit for connecting a recording device for recording the broadcast of the reserved channel;
The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein information on the reserved channel and recording start time is input from the recording apparatus via the recording apparatus connection unit. A display device connection unit for connecting the display device including the screen;
4. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific result display signal output means outputs the specific result display signal to the display device via the display device connection unit. Wherein the pre-Symbol directivity specifying means further comprises a message display signal outputting means for outputting a message display signal for displaying a predetermined message on the screen when starting the specific operation, according to claim 2 The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 4. Correspondence relation storage means for preliminarily storing correspondence relation between each broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna when receiving broadcast of the broadcast channel,
The first directivity determining means, when a rejection signal indicating that the user refuses to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel with the optimal directivity specified by the directivity specifying means is input, 6. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined according to the storage of the correspondence relationship storage means. Correspondence relation storage means for preliminarily storing correspondence relation between each broadcast channel and the directivity of the variable directivity antenna when receiving broadcast of the broadcast channel ,
The directivity specifying means further separates the directivity whose corresponding data error rate is equal to or less than a specified value separately from the optimum directivity ,
The particular result display signal output means, when a rejection signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel by the optimum directional identified input by the directional specifying means the outputs sorting result display signal for displaying the image data obtained by the directional identification means receives the broadcast by reservation channel directivity was selected separately from the previous SL optimum directivity in the screen ,
It said first directional determination means acceptance signal indicating that the user has consented to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel by the directivity said optimal directivity were screened separately from the directional specific means when entered, while determining that the directivity of said directional antennas corresponding to the reservation channel directivity was selected is the directional specifying means,
When the refusal signal indicating that the user has refused to receive the broadcast of the reserved channel by the directivity said optimal directivity were screened separately from the directional identification means is input, reservation channel 7. The directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the directional antenna is determined to be the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence relationship storage means. The broadcast receiver according to any one of the above. And the optimum directivity that the directional identifying unit has identified, among the directivity corresponding to the correlation storage reserved channels that have been stored in the unit, the directivity towards the corresponding data error rate is low, A reception state determining means for determining that the broadcasting is a directivity capable of better receiving a broadcast by a reserved channel;
Corresponding to reserved channel when the direction of directivity corresponding to reserved channels that have been stored in the correlation storage means by the reception state determining means is determined to be receive the broadcast by about channels reserved better Determining the directivity of the variable directivity antenna to be a directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means;
It is determined that the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means by the reception state determining means can better receive the broadcast by the reserved channel and receives the broadcast of the reserved channel by the directivity. When the acceptance signal indicating that the user has accepted is input, the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined to be the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means. And
It is determined that the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means by the reception state determining means can better receive the broadcast by the reserved channel and receives the broadcast of the reserved channel by the directivity. The directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means stores the directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel when a rejection signal indicating that the user has rejected Second directivity determining means for determining to be
A first mode in which directivity of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is determined by the first directivity determining means; and a variable mode antenna of the variable directivity antenna corresponding to the reserved channel by the second directivity determining means. and an operation mode switching means and a second mode to determine the directivity switching the operation mode of the broadcast receiving apparatus, further comprising,
The operation mode switching means includes
In the first mode, when the first directivity determining means receives the rejection signal, the directivity of the variable directivity antenna is set to the directivity corresponding to the reserved channel stored in the correspondence storage means. When it is decided to switch from the first mode to the second mode,
In the second mode, when the second directivity determining means determines that the directivity of the variable directional antenna corresponding to the reserved channel is the optimum directivity specified by the directivity specifying means. Switching from the second mode to the first mode,
The directivity switching means outputs a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the first directivity determining means in the first mode from the switching signal output unit, and in the second mode, the directivity switching signal The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a directivity switching signal for switching to directivity according to the determination of the second directivity determining means is output from the switching signal output unit.

Images